BAZNAS, Turkey Embassy Expand Cooperation in Aid and Education Programs

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian National Alms Agency (BAZNAS) is moving to strengthen its partnership with Turkey by expanding collaboration across humanitarian, economic, and education programs.

The initiative was highlighted during a courtesy visit between BAZNAS leaders and Turkish Ambassador to Indonesia Talip Kucukcan at the Turkish Embassy in Jakarta on Monday, May 4, 2026.

BAZNAS Chairman Sodik Mudjahid said the agency has prepared eight strategic programs to broaden cooperation, noting that ties with Turkish institutions remain strong at diplomatic, governmental, and foundation levels.

“Cooperation between BAZNAS and Turkey has been very strong, especially in humanitarian, economic empowerment, and social sectors,” he said, as quoted on the agency’s official website.

He pointed to concrete outcomes, including the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) being recognized as Best International Corporate Partner at the BAZNAS Awards 2025 for its contributions to economic development.

Joint initiatives have included the Difabis Coffee and Tea Café program, a Quran boarding school for persons with disabilities, and halal certification support for MSMEs to boost economic independence.

BAZNAS has also engaged in zakat management and humanitarian dialogues with the Turkish Embassy, including a meeting with the Religious Attache in February 2025.

In disaster response, the agency coordinated with the Turkish Embassy and AFAD to deliver aid following the 2023 earthquake in Turkey, providing financial assistance, logistics, blankets, medical supplies, and deploying a response team.

Deputy Chairman Zainut Tauhid Sa’adi underscored the importance of sustaining cooperation in education, particularly through scholarships and support for Sekolah Cendekia BAZNAS (SCB).

“We hope this collaboration continues sustainably, especially in expanding access to education for underprivileged communities,” he said.

Ambassador Kucukcan welcomed Indonesia’s establishment of BAZNAS as a formal state institution managing zakat and social funds, and affirmed Turkey’s readiness to expand multisector cooperation through official bodies such as Turkiye Diyanet Vakfi (TDV), TIKA, Turkish Red Crescent, and AFAD.

The meeting was attended by BAZNAS leaders, deputy chairpersons, the head of international fundraising, public relations officials, and the Religious Attache of the Turkish Embassy in Jakarta. ***